Todd Frazier Could Be Cincinnati Reds' X-Factor in 2012

For the majority of the 2012 season the Cincinnati Reds have struggled primarily at two positions: left field and third base.

Now, though, with Chris Heisey heating up in left, the team's No. 1 area of concern looks to be the hot corner.

Fortunately, those woes at third may be coming to an end as well.

With injuries limiting both Scott Rolen and Miguel Cairo, the Reds' everyday third base job has fallen to rookie utility man Todd Frazier—which may be a blessing in disguise.

While few baseball followers expected Frazier to make any sort of major impact this early in his career, the 26-year-old is already proving his worth at the major-league level, having racked up 15 hits, three home runs and six RBI over his first 21 appearances.

While it would be difficult for any rookie to pry a starting job from a healthy Scott Rolen, Frazier could still prove to be one of the Reds' most important assets as the season progresses. As both a talented infielder and outfielder, he will be able to offer solid depth at both of Cincinnati's two shakiest positions, while also providing Rolen with enough rest to keep him serviceable.

Given the toll that a 162-game season can take on a ballclub, young, versatile talent is absolutely priceless, so no matter how the Reds choose to utilize Frazier, his impact will most certainly be felt in one way or another.

Personally, his skill set has always reminded me an awful lot of Tampa Bay's Ben Zobrist. Let's hope he can continue to produce at a Zobrist-like level.